Welcome to Sacred Ground International

MISSION: SUSTAINABLE AND SACRED LIVING THROUGH KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT…

SGI: An EDUCATIONAL 501 C (3) ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO THE DEMONSTRATION, RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT OF THE COMMON THREAD THAT CONNECTS EACH OF US TO OUR VILLAGES AND NATURES’ LANDSCAPE, GUIDED BY OUR INNATE LOVE OF TRUTH, BEAUTY, AND DESIRE TO THRIVE AND CONTRIBUTE.

Sacred Ground international is building a model of interdependent, yet self-sufficient and harmonious living. We are using both ancient and very new technologies to promote the well being of all in this primary bio-region. This model, in the Pryor Mountains of Montana is located on 3000 privately held acres on the Crow Indian Reservation. It serves as a Living/Learning Center for people from every walk of life. It is a retreat, a gathering place, a research center, ranch, farm and home of Buffalo, Mustangs, wildlife and those of us who live here and love it.

The foundation of all of the choices we make, of all that we do here, from building a fence to the way we feed our animals, the way we build a road and the development of a spring, is based on sensible and sustainable practices – Does it grow corn? Is it in balance, is it in harmony with everything and everyone involved?

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Vision / Mission

Sacred Ground International is an organization designed to inspire, inform and demonstrate the Sacredness of all life. The Happy Heart Ranch is our school, the Buffalo, the Paint Mustangs, wildlife, land and water, our teachers. A Living Learning Center.

We can see forever...

Every culture, religion and belief system on earth has that which is held Sacred…that which is held above, apart and unquestionably most important. That which is honored and respected above all.

What if, by the very nature of existence, science and physics standing, everything and everyone, seen and unseen, realized or unknown was approached with respect and honor?

Would this be the common ground, the common thread that weaves everyone and everything into One tapestry…to be honored and respected?

Sacred Ground International was inspired and conceived by a love of nature, a strong awareness of its ability to teach and a desire to share the beauty, peace and wisdom it reflects back to us. We have witnessed again and again, the extraordinary in the ordinary.

This is our life, our ongoing journey without destination. Our dream is to live it and share it. This place powerfully unravels our dilemmas and beautifully reflects our personal truths.

We invite you, whoever you are, wherever you are, to join in this great adventure. View these pages of stories, projects, activities and consider the ‘what if’.

The story of the birth and growth of this organization is metaphoric of a larger story, the movement and changes occurring around the globe.

"As a lifetime land management consultant I visit 100's of farms and ranches and help people improve their land. This ranch is different from most conventionally managed ecosystems. The ranch is not driven by modern agriculture (to maximize production) but to take care of the land and its' diverse natural environment. Tana is dedicated to learn, improve, and share innovative solutions to prevent land management problems...and be an educational showplace that can teach others."

Wayne Burleson, Range Management Services

We take what is known, use what we learn from our own experience, combine them, and share the outcome while constantly listening and adjusting to achieve the highest results.

The Old Ones (Indigenous Elders) speak of prophecy and a renewal coming. The socio-economic and political experts speak of disaster, war and the necessity for change in order to survive. The spiritualists speak of a return to values, human rights and solutions as diverse as the cultures that support them.

These issues have now become the focus of all people in every village and family. The search for common ground, that which is true for all life. The search for peace and joy.

Nature may hold the key, that which is natural and never changing, laws that guide and always abide in the end. “You can’t fool Mother Nature,” may be a clue.

JAPAN AND CANADA
MEET AT SGI

The Indigenous, those who have lived close to the earth and nature, speak of all things in balance, collaborating with the earth, the elements and cycles of life. We work closely with the World Council of Elders and often hold gatherings of Indigenous leaders and people from around the world. We listen and implement and learn. Our experiences teach us what sustains and what falls away, what empowers and endures.

The following pages tell the story of one place, many people and their quest to explore and find that treasure, that which is true and common. Welcome, and thank you for your attention, your willingness to share and openness to explore.

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True Stories

These stories reflect the true adventures, the extraordinary experiences and miracles we have lived….with the Buffalo, Horses, Landscape and Friends

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News & Events

THE INTERNATIONAL SUNDANCE

Sacred Ground Intl is host and home of the International Sundance that is sponsored and made possible by the World Council of Elders. The first Sundance was held at Sacred Ground high on a plateau beneath the mountain in 2007. It returns to Sacred Ground in 2012. For further information and reservations please contact: worldcouncilofelders@gmail.com

Tree day is August 21, 2012, requesting early arrival to support and assist with the preparations. More details will follow as we get closer.

THE INTERNATIONAL SUNDANCE IN AUSTRALIA

The location will be near the coast of the Southern Sea of the State of South Australia, which is approximately 2 hours South of Adelaide. This is Ngarrindjeri territory, Moogy's people. The location of the Sundance will be on the Coorong Island, a very sacred place for the Aboriginal Peoples there. It is quite an honor for us. Moogy has some land on the island about 250 acres near the water and that is where he would like the Sundance.

MISSION:

The International Sundance is a one-of-a-kind experience essential to reawakening humanity at this special time through reconnecting with Mother Earth and the timeless teachings of Elders from many cultures. As we are all related, the power of our collective healing prayers and loving intentions will reach across the globe to all members of our Earth family. Through this experience together, we will find the inspiration, guidance and clarity of will to co-create sustainable solutions to current world challenges, and a joyful future for generations yet to come.

" The essence of this International Sundance was granted by the Great Spirit thousands of generations ago to our sacred and holy ancestors. It has been enhanced by the guidance and direction of the Great Spirit through many humbling ceremonies to this time and day."
- Frank Settee, Cree/Ojibwe/Lakota Ceremonial Elder -

The International Sundance is the manifestation of a vision carried for many, many generations - an extraordinary gathering of family from the four directions in sacred ceremony to honor the Great Spirit, our Mother Earth, and all life. It is a powerful time for prayer, healing, guidance, sharing in community, remembering our true selves, restoring balance between female and male energies, and for reaching out to our brothers and sisters all around the world. This annual gathering is so unique because Elders from around the globe come together to add their traditional ceremonies and teachings to the time-honored wisdom and practices of the Traditional Sundance of the first peoples of North America. Every year, the International Sundance will travel to a different location around the world including Australia in 2010, Central America in 2012, and later to Africa, Asia and Europe. Each one-of-a-kind gathering will honor the traditions, ceremonies and wisdom of the host cultures and other international participants as well as those of the Traditional Sundance.

Why Now? We're living at a time unique in all of Earth history. We sense the shift in energies. We observe extremes in polarity all around us, and we experience the accelerated pace of change. The wisdom-keepers of the Earth's indigenous traditions have faithfully carried prophecies for millennia telling of this special time of transition at the close of an era. This is a sacred time of choice. We are setting the energies for a new time. What do we want that to look like? What kind of future are we creating for our children?

The Elders know that right now, like at no other time before, we have the opportunity to wake-up, open out hearts and minds, and understand the truth of our interconnectedness with all life. Time is of the essence. We must begin to consciously choose to heal and restore balance to ourselves and our relationships with our fellow humans and our precious Mother Earth. It is imperative that we act now to create a future of peace, harmony and healthy abundance.

Sundance Tree

The Traditional Sundance is a very sacred ceremony central to the culture of the first peoples of the Northern Plains. It has been conducted every summer for thousands of years to honor the Great Spirit and to pray for the well-being and protection of the people. The ceremony takes place outdoors on sacred land. A circular Arbor is constructed around a central Sundance Tree. Sundancers fast from food and water for four days while they pray and dance inside the Arbor around the Sundance Tree. They are accompanied by traditional drumming and singing. Supporters and helpers do not fast; however, they fully participate in the ceremony through prayer and service to the community. As one experiences the spirit of the Sundance, a feeling of cleansing & rebirth often occurs as a result of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges inherent in the Sundance ceremony. Everyone has the opportunity to take the life-changing teachings and unique experiences gained with them to practice and share with others in their lives.

Sweden joins the Sundance

How You Can Help. We're gathering the necessary resources for the International Sundance including travel expenses for the international Elders and drum groups; ceremonial supplies for the Sundancers; and tools, building supplies and equipment to house and feed the participants. Your financial support for this unique and important ceremony is greatly appreciated. worldcouncilofelders@gmail.com

If you have questions, would like to participate in some way or want more information please contact us:
406-245-6070 or email: info@sacredgroundintl.org

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NEW INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATE

We have a new Affiliate Project! Terra Sacra (Latin for 'Sacred Ground') is located in the Pyrenees Mountains of France. Peter Bakkes and Alice Kromhout have recently embarked on a mission to share the wisdoms they have gained through extensive travel to remote and timeless places, time spent with spiritual leaders, learning and sharing Indigenous ceremonies and many earth and land based adventures.

They too, endeavor to capture and share the Ancient Wisdoms of the 'Oneness of Being', 'We are all related' and 'All life is Sacred.' Sacred Ground International and Terra Sacra work hand in hand to inspire, inform and demonstrate these Universal truths.

Visit their new site for details: www.terrasacra.net

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THE INTERNATIONAL SUNDANCE

Sacred Ground Intl is host and home of the International Sundance that is sponsored and made possible by the World Council of Elders. The first Sundance was held at Sacred Ground high on a plateau beneath the mountain in 2007. Every other year it travels to another part of the world. It will return to sacred ground in 2012. For further information and reservations please contact: worldcouncilofelders@gmail.com

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JAPAN AND CANADA
MEET AT SGI

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